For Adults: LinkedIn is my New Alternative to Facebook

So last fall, I was very weary of all of the fighting and bullying I saw on Facebook and decided to quit it. I closed down my account completely. I can honestly tell you that my life has been a thousand-times-more peaceful and productive since then.

One suggestion I would like to offer adults on this Cybersmile chat forum is that if you like the interaction you get on Facebook and don't want to let it go, consider segueing over to LinkedIn.

If you're unfamiliar with LinkedIn, it's like Facebook, except it's a network to connect with professionals in your industry or business. Sometimes, I also have connections to people who I have known a long time but are not in my industry, just to stay in touch.

Here are some great aspects of LinkedIn to consider. (and no, they did not pay me to write this. I just thought it would be helpful to write up why it's been wonderful for me!)

1. You can follow successful people and hear their insights on how to develop yourself, no matter what your job is. One of my favorite people to follow is Richard Branson. He writes inspirational blog entries and posts uplifting thoughts. Plus, we all know how successful he is and that he knows what he's talking about!

2. You will not find any cyberbullying on LinkedIn. At least, I have NOT. Everyone who is connected there is trying to advance their career or make business contacts. Hence, everyone has a photograph, their list of what they've done, their list of their connections, i.e., they are verifiable. They are putting on their best faces. They are not there to do anything except get their name out there for recruiters or job hunters to consider them.

3. LinkedIn allows you to post blog entries, and everyone will offer amazing and complimentary comments! You will find NO trolling here. Everyone is on there to support each other professionally. You may find someone with a question about what you've posted, but if they disagree, they will usually send you a private message.

4. LinkedIn ha really good controls so that you can build your network without worrying about trolls infiltrating it. You have to approve everyone who requests that they be included in your network. I only approve those with whom I have done business, former colleagues or people who are well known to me professionally. To include someone means that you are essentially "vouching" for their business sense or their integrity. I do not approve anyone that I have never met. And if someone on Twitter asks to be included in my network, I almost always turn down the request, explaining that I only connect with those who have done business with me one-on-one.

5. You can pay extra to be able to heighten your job search or connect with people that you hope will make introductions for you. Because people actually pay MONEY for this service, they are not going to do it for trolling purposes. They will pay to connect with you because they simply want to interact in a business manner.

These are just some of the reasons I love LinkedIn. I have been using it more and more since I left Facebook, and I have been able to increase my interactions with really wonderful people. It makes me feel good about myself, too, because everyone is so positive there! (sort of like Cybersmile! :-)

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, adults.

And kids/ teenagers, although it's too soon for you to think about joining LinkedIn, there are tools for you to eventually connect when you become a college student. You can use this to connect with university professors and with professionals in your dream job. I occasionally will accept a connection request from a student from my alma mater, if it means that they are seeking career advice in my field.

I think you have some good points there. I would't really class Linkedin as social media though. My kids would not go near it and see it as a business directory more than a place they could talk about a good night out, or their holidays etc. Has loads of advantages as a place to establish your career/business reputation but not really good for socialising. Definitely a better place for adults looking to avoid negative content though. Good post. x

ive heard of linkedin before i dont use it cause ive heard it was mix, especially when trying to find a job, since its a lot of competition but heard some good things like as you said the contacts and the people out there. But its a good start getting to know people and business espcially in this job market

Thanks, Terky -- If you decide that you want to use it in the future and need some tips, feel free to let me know. I have now started using it pretty regularly over the past two months. In the past, I was "on" it but not really using it very much. But since I decided to shift my focus from Facebook to something more productive, it is really great and a not just a time sucker. When you use it correctly, you can actually better your knowledge, your career and your life in general.

It's great for anyone especially who is just starting their career or just getting out of school.

I've been very happy with it since I started using it more aggressively over the past two months. It has actually led to connecting with people who provided an employment opportunity, and I'm very pleased.